Local triple-A hockey team nets nine USHL draftees

The Colorado Thunderbirds had nine players selected in the recent United States Hockey League draft, including four in the main pool that will likely play in North America’s premier junior-A league this coming season or 2011-12. The five T-Birds selected in the “Futures” draft are 1994 birthyears who will continue in the midget process at least through this coming season. All nine are considered NCAA material, a step most of them will probably make after playing at least one season in the USHL.

“This is a monumental day for the Thunderbirds and Colorado hockey in terms of player exposure and what our program is all about,” Thunderbirds director Angelo Ricci said in a release. “We truly believe in promoting our players to the next level. We want to wish all these players the best in the pursuit of their dreams to play Tier 1 junior A hockey and college hockey down the road.”